Bea Arthur Dies at 86

4/25/2009 4:38 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF

Spokesman Dan Watt says Arthur had cancer, but did not offer any further details. Arthur passed away at home early this morning.

Arthur is most well-known for her roles in "The Golden Girls" and "Maude."

Rue McClanahan who played Blanche Devereaux on "The Golden Girls" issued the following statement about Bea's passing to TMZ: "37 years ago she showed me how to be very brave in playing comedy. I'll miss that courage and I'll miss that voice."